Events

Last weekend, October 17, 2009, iTem84 played their final show. Micah, Reyn and Jeremy worked very hard the last few years in making iTem84 a success. They created an entire new album called Get Unique in 2009, played shows in Austin, Houston, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Hutto, were on TV twice, put on large concerts in Hutto, and much, much more.

Sadly, now, they have decided to end iTem84, and focus on college and pursue other interests. There are many reasons for their decision and I think they thought them out well and will all be better for the decision but it was sad watching them sign CD covers for fans after finishing their last ever set at Hutto Olde Tyme Days Saturday. It is hard to express the emotion I felt watching their friend and frequent roadie/groupie, Amber, tearing down Reyn’s drums for the last time for an iTem84 gig.

I really love these guys – they are amazing. They had more going in their music, stage presence, showmanship, heart, drive and diligence then most adults. That’s not to say they didn’t have issues because they did and, ultimately, they decided some of those could not likely be resolved – but, man, they were so close – it is hard to see them come to this fork in the road. Even after this show, adults who had never heard them before were telling me how impressed they were. One woman who was there running a booth for a local clinic came over after the show, got a CD and asked them to sign it because she wanted to be able to have that when they became big. Ed Broussard, Hutto’s City Manager tweeted about their performance. This type of response was not the exception when iTem84 performed but the norm. Adults as well as young people loved them.

I have been honored to know these guys and support them with photography, computer support, and occasional business/marketing coaching but this was all their drive and energy and talent and I will miss them terribly even though I, of course, still get to hang out with them some.

In my life, I have been blessed to find myself in the middle of very magic moments in the critical incubation and evolution of many organizations and movements. These last two years for iTem84 was a magic time and, if I’m honest, I must admit that my voluntary positioning of myself near the window of their efforts was more because I was hoping some of the overspray of that magic dust would land on me than for any other reason.

I will miss attending their concerts, previewing new websites and graphics, being blown away by their crazy sponsorship collection efforts and Herculean attempts at birthing near-professional grade concerts out of thin air.

Guys, I am so impressed with you all and I’m sure you have even more spectacular adventures brewing – but I’ve loved iTem84. Thanks for the memories and the music.

Well, it’s complete! Jeremy is in Bryan. He started work this week-end and commences class tomorrow. Today, I took the girls and Cammi for our first family outing without him. And now, as I write this, I am sitting in what was his room now completely transformed into my office and spiritual retreat room.

I was sitting here, trying to get a feel of this new space and thinking about how much work was involved in making this transformation. In reality, it is not complete – it is merely complete enough to begin. As I thought about all the next steps, it occurred to me that transformation is usually like this.

St Paul tells us in Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We’re tempted to read this transformation as an event or experience. Complete it, get the degree, the gold star, the certificate – then you will know God’s will – but it’s really a process to undertake daily and coming to know God’s will is a moment-to-moment enterprise. He does not show us the plan – but says only, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:13 He does not make all the lights green for us before we leave the house but he promises he will guide us on the right path as we follow him.

Jeremy is just starting college and adult life, and I am only ready to begin using this space as God has put in my mind. If he and I don’t stay the course, continue daily in this transformation, then the full value of the transformation is loss. If the butterfly only stepped out of the cocoon but then continued as a caterpillar, well, that would just not be the same.

So Lord, help Jeremy and I and our family continue in the transformation that you’ve started in our life – renewing our minds daily and so living in the confidence of your good, pleasing and perfect will. Thank you, Farther, for getting us to this starting line – now help us to run the race set before us to your glory.

Got a chance to go see my 17 year-old son, Jeremy and Item84 play a set at the Red Eyed Fly in Austin this week. The cool news is that they were asked to come back and open for some national bands on Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30pm. Come check them out if you can. They’d love the support.